For so many years Southend have been scrapping towards the bottom of the Football League basement, trying to avoid relegation to the Conference. However, last season that all changed as Steve Tilson led the Shrimpers to promotion via the play-offs. One would have been forgiven for thinking the Essex club had blown their chance having missed out on an automatic promotion on the final day. But, Tilson's men re-rallied before seeing off both Northampton and Lincoln in the knock-out stages. Givemefootball's Mark Shail caught up with experienced defender Spencer Prior and got his thoughts ahead of the new campaign.
Q:HOW IS PRE-SEASON GOING?
A:We've been working very hard, although we haven't been in for that long because we only returned to training on July 7. Because of the timing of the play-off final, our pre-season is relatively short, with only a few games, but we managed to beat Millwall 2-0 on Tuesday night and the lads look pretty sharp.
Q:IS IT DIFFICULT HAVING A REDUCED PRE-SEASON?
A:No I don't think so, we needed some kind of break after the play-off final and four or five weeks is long enough. Now it's just a question of fine-tuning before the season starts. We've got a couple more friendly games to come but we're not overly concerned with the results - it's the performances that count at this stage.
Q:STEVE TILSON HAS HAD A FEW PROBLEMS SIGNING NEW PLAYERS, IS THAT A CONCERN?
A:It is a bit of a concern because we've only got a small, relatively inexperienced squad. We were close to signing striker Luke Beckett but he pulled out of the deal at the eleventh hour because he didn't want to move down south. I'm sure we will see some new faces sooner rather than later but it's a question of being patient. Considering the young age of the squad, the team did fantastically well last season, but we do need to add some experienced players who have played at this level before.
Q:DID LAST SEASON'S SUCCESS COME AS A BIT OF A SURPRISE?
A:No it didn't to be honest. Even when we lost our first few games, and were second from bottom, I felt we were playing well and just needed a bit of luck in front of goal. Then we managed to string a couple of wins together and that gave us confidence - we then went on a club record run of 17 games unbeaten and that gave us the platform for a promotion challenge.
Q:THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF TALK ABOUT STRIKER FREDDIE EASTWOOD EVENTUALLY PLAYING AT A HIGHER LEVEL – HOW GOOD IS HE?
A:He had a great season last year and is certainly a decent prospect. It will be interesting to see how he performs now he is stepping up another level. The manager has said we need an experienced striker to help Freddie and I agree with him.
Q:WHAT IS A REALISTIC TARGET FOR THE CLUB NEXT SEASON?
A:I suppose survival will be the aim, but I don't think you can approach a season just purely trying to stay up because you're sure to get dragged into a relegation battle. So for that reason, we should target a top half finish and perhaps the style of football we play might suit us more in League One.
Q:HOW LONG DO YOU WANT TO CARRY ON PLAYING?
A:I've got another year on my contract, but I might play one more season after that – we'll just have to wait and see. I've applied for a visa to move to Australia to live, not to play, just for a change of lifestyle and I plan to move over there when I eventually hang up my boots.
